"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." ~William Penn

"Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity — I mean the true simplicity of a rightly and nobly ordered mind and character, not that other simplicity which is only a euphemism for folly." ~Plato from THE REPUBLIC

3/18/15

"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and a richness to life that nothing else can bring." ~Oscar Wilde

"You know you are in love when you see the world in her eyes, and her eyes everywhere in the world." ~David Levesque

3/17/15

"Make me strong in spirit, courageous in action, gentle of heart, let me act in wisdom, conquer my fear and doubt, discover my own hidden gifts, meet others with compassion, be a source of healing energies, and face each day with hope and joy." ~Anon

"Usually when someone is angry, all we hear are their angry words. Instead, try hearing the unspoken, “I am scared, I am frustrated, I am insecure, I am vulnerable, I am threatened." The words are less important than the actual trigger and will hurt less if we recognize this." ~Dr. Charles Glassman, CoachMD

"It was a bright sunny day at the beach and the sand is still undisturbed while being washed by the crystal clear water of the sea. My moment of bliss indeed while the students are taking a brief furlough at the beach." ~Arnold Balaoeg Fonollera (on Viewing the rock formations among the Treasures of Bolinao during our DLSUD Environmental Science Field Trip. 16 March 2015

3/16/15

“I let my head fall back, and I gazed into the Eternal Blue Sky. It was morning. Some of the sky was yellow, some the softest blue. One small cloud scuttled along. Strange how everything below can be such death and chaos and pain while above the sky is peace, sweet blue gentleness. I heard a shaman say once, the Ancestors want our souls to be like the blue sky.”
~Anon

“It sounds plausible enough tonight, but wait until tomorrow. Wait for the common sense of the morning.” ~Anon

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VERSES

"The sun just touched the morning;
The morning, happy thing,
Supposed that he had come to dwell,
And life would be all spring.”
~Anon

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INSIGHTS

""A friend can be a caress in moment of distress, a tender shoulder to comfort us, and a warm heart to warm us in a tough winter

He can be a protection against us, and meet present whenever we need.
During our absence he will take our defense against any misplaced Word, as if they assaulted him in person.

We have confidence in him, that we confess to him our most buried secrets in the heart.

At times, he comes before the family, and even a crazy love can't push him or throw him out of our lives.

On the other hand, if by misfortune the confidence is lost one way or another, the situation becomes critical and the voltage will go up to replace the beautiful moments of friendship.

We can forgive wrongs of Love, while friendship is hard to grant forgiveness or to trust it again.

It is necessary only to rely on time provided that with his magic, it will dispel all evil heard."
~Rami Lahouel

♥*✿*•♥

"A woman who is quiet and withdraws without sign of life, it is that she is suffering in silence. If she's not sensitive to what is happening around her, she's touched in its depths.

If her choice is to withdraw, that she is disappointed and feels really injured.
This woman suffers without daring to say anything and will say nothing seen that this time it is affected in the soul.

She will prefer death to confess what she really weighs, until losing everything, in order to keep her dignity.

A real woman having a soul that bleeds no longer returns on her steps; she will disappear with her sentence to an uncertain fate.﻿" ~Rami Lahouel

♥*✿*•♥

For a woman of exceptional beauty as we have never seen; With its pure and tender heart, she drew everyone. I'm so proud of her. She is the white rose of my country.

When she smiles, she is bewitching that the Sun and the Moon get mad and envy her.

When she laughs, her man becomes even more crazy about her that he doesn't take his eyes off her.

I offer her these roses of all colours and I know that they are insignificant in their beauty, but my rose is modest and will accept them.﻿" ~Rami Lahouel

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Blog Author's Note:

Rami Lahouel is a pen name of Kader Reggab from Algeria. You may find him at FB a.

"Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end." ~Anon

"A rational man acting in the real world is he who decides where he will strike a balance between what he desires and what can be done. He who behaves prudently even if alone and by his right action, can overcome a host of foes. Remember: Caution is not cowardly. Carelessness is not courage." ~Anon

"Husbands are the best people to share secrets with. They'll never tell anyone, Because they aren't even listening." ~Anon

"Meekness is calm confidence, settled assurance, and rest of the soul. It is the tranquil stillness of a soul that is at rest in Christ. It is the place of peace. Meekness springs from a heart of humility, radiating the fragrance of Christ." ~Matthew Henry

“The worse sinners are nice people who, by denying sin, make the cure of sin impossible. Sin is very serious, but it is more serious to deny sin. That is why those who very often deny sin become scandal mongers, tale bearers, and hypercritics because they have to project their real guilt outside of themselves to others. And this gives them, also, a great illusion of goodness. It will be found generally true that the increase of fault finding is in direct proportion to the denial of sin.” ~Archbishop Fulton Sheen (Three to Get Married)

3/13/15

“All of life’s lessons you have been through is only a preparation for what is about to happen in your life. If the experience brings you joy, much wisdom has prepared you for this journey. If it brings you sorrow, remember lessons will keep striking you at your weakest point because that’s what needs most strengthening.” ~Brigitte Nicole, administrator -Lessons Learned in Life

"Always know when to let go. When a thought is bringing you more misery than peace, let go of the thought; when a person is bringing more pain than joy to your life, let go… You cannot be your best if you lack joy and peace." ~Brigitte Nicole

"Be with someone who is proud of you, someone you can laugh with, someone who listens to you, understands you, who treats you well and makes you a priority." ~Brigitte Nicole

"Don’t get discouraged. Your time is coming. What you are going through is not permanent. Life is a constant ebb and flow. Sometimes things move at a snail's-pace and then suddenly without warning, change happens in a blink of an eye. So be ready for new possibilities and new beginnings. Truly amazing things can happen in a single moment." ~Brigitte Nicole

"Don’t let people change the loving and caring person you are. Don’t let anyone get you down. Use the love and goodness inside you to stay strong." ~Brigitte Nicole

"Either they like you or they don’t. Never try to convince somebody of your worth. If a person doesn't appreciate you, they don't deserve you. Respect yourself and be with people who truly value "you". -Brigitte Nicole

"Find someone who openly communicates their feelings. Someone who realizes that you're not perfect and never expects you to be. Someone who would never want to lose you and feels so blessed to be with you. One who gives their heart completely. Someone who says I love you and means it. Last but not least, find someone who looks forward to a future with you and with each and every new day, falls in love with you all over again." -Brigitte Nicole

"For those that feel that being kind hearted to people got you nothing but rejection and hurt, do not let that change the person that you are. If you are a thoughtful person who does nice things, don’t stop just because these people failed to see the goodness inside you. It’s their reaction or lack of response that is the problem, not yours. Don’t change yourself. They need to change. They need to work on themselves. Keep being the wonderful kind you." ~Brigitte Nicole

"I don't want someone to want me only when I'm around them. I want someone to want and miss me when I'm not." ~Brigitte Nicole

"If there’s someone you cannot get out of your mind, whisper a prayer for them. That’s how God moves." ~Brigitte Nicole

"If you regret some of the decisions you made in the past, don’t be so hard on yourself. At that time, you did your best with the knowledge that you had. At that time, you did your best with the experience you had. If you were to make those decisions with the wisdom you have now, you would choose differently. You would handle life's challenges in more effective ways. So give yourself a break and forgive yourself. Time and experience has a wonderful way to make us realize that we prosper, grow and learn to make better choices today, for ourselves and those we care for." ~Brigitte Nicole

"It's funny how sometimes a line from a song, a quote or a memory can stir so many emotions. These are times when a good cup of tea, a smile, a listening ear or a nice long walk in the rain will put me back together." ~Brigitte Nicole

"Never apologise for being sensitive or emotional. Let this be a sign that you've got a big heart and aren't afraid to let others see it. Showing your emotions is a sign of strength." ~Brigette Nicole

"People show that they care for you in beautiful different ways. They want to hear your stories. They want to listen
to your problems. You can pour your heart and soul and they won't make you feel like you've made a mess. You can depend on them on the days when you feel lost. And with just a little time with them, you feel you weren’t really lost at all. All you needed was a compass of caring from someone who understands you. They want to make your day better. They reach out to you. One nice definition of love, I think, is that you both make each other's happiness important as they light up your life." ~Brigitte Nicole

"Sometimes there is sadness in our journey, but there is also beauty. We must keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we are hurting or we will never know what is waiting for us around the bend." ~Brigitte Nicole

"There’s only so many times you can allow someone to let you down before you will no longer tolerate being disappointed. When things go wrong between two people, something has got to give. You get to the point where you get tired of being the only one trying to fix things, it’s not giving up, it’s realizing you had enough. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts.” ~Brigitte Nicole

"True love is when you love someone until your last breath." -Brigitte Nicole

"When I feel stressed or anxious, I love to sit near the ocean. It soothes and calms my senses; the rocking motion of the waves help heal my heart as the ocean breeze cleanses my thoughts into perspective." ~Brigitte Nicole

"You'll know when a relationship is right for you. It will enhance your life, not complicate your life." ~Brigitte Nicole.

"The largest portion of a child's education is in the hands of his mother, not the institution. All institutions is only helping to improve children's cognitive ability, including socialization. But the basic skill for life, which is always going to be provision for his future child, only to be had from a mother. That is why, make big plans for your children. Suppose we are the home of the school, a boarding school for the children of our children, create a curriculum that's great, if necessary international standard, and be professional in these matters. If we need to create the report development, and make our husbands as heads of the school, who should receive the report." ~from Awaliah Hafsyah

"Grief is a solitary journey.
No one but you knows how great the hurt is.
No one but you can know the gaping hole left in your life when someone you know has died.
And no one but you can mourn the silence that was once filled with laughter and song.
It is the nature of love and of death to touch every person in a totally unique way.
Comfort comes from knowing that people have made the same journey.
And solace comes from understanding how others have learned to sing again."
~Helen Steiner Rice

"The swimmer adrift on the open seas measures his strength, and strives with all his muscles to keep himself afloat. But what is he to do when there is no land on the horizon, and none beyond it?" ~Georges Duhamel

"We do not know the true value of our moments until they have undergone the test of memory." ~Georges Duhamel

"You conquered the landscape with the soles of shoes, not the tires." ~Georges Duhamel

3/10/15

It's that time again to break the mould of my blog format that is given only to Quotations. I decided to pave way in featuring POETRY in honour of my former countrymate, let alone a townmate, where I used to spend my childhood and juvenile years in Southern Philippines. I am glad to cross path with Dr. Abe D. Alonto via FB through friends. Dr. Alonto earned a highest degree in PhD CE, who by privilege belongs to an illustrious and high profile family in our province. So that's how I knew him long ago. Reading through my brief writings posted at FB, I encountered a new mentor who openly inspires me and noted my potential in Essay and Poetry writing. He sees my life, my experiences through my writings. He wanted me to go further. You think FB is just a social media for fun until something wonderful like a miracle happens. The Angel intervenes... so it looks like my journey will continue in another level. My deep and sincere gratitude to you Dr. Abe D. Alonto. Here's your own inspiring thoughts translated into poetry.

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Dare not exchange what sorrows that persists in your heart to what joys you perceive felt by a crowd.Make no mistake in choosing a life where there's not a single tear ever felt roll down your cheek for how can you get united with those who live near or along a boulevard of broken dreams, or with those broken heart if not a single tear stays in your life.Make no mistake to lead a life where there is not a single smile that stays, for don't ever forget, a smile radiates hope, more meaningful to those who border hopelessness but unyielding, just as a smile brings joy and happiness -- for enjoyment is the incredible energizer to the human spirit.By Dr Abe D AlontoQC PhilippinesMarch 9, 2015Cooyright@2015

"Opinion is the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no accountability, understanding. The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos, and live in another's world. It requires profound purpose, larger than the self kind of understanding." ~Bill Bullard

3/9/15

"If you listen, not to the pages or preachers but to the smallest flower growing from a crack in your heart, you will hear a great song moving across a wide ocean whose water is the music; connecting all the islands of the universe together, and touching all you will feel it touching you around you, embracing you with light. It is in that light that everything lives and will always be alive." ~John Squadra

"It only takes one grain of rice to tip a balancing scale. It only takes one grain of a mustard seed to plant the seed of hope. If you don’t think that what you say or do makes a difference, think again." ~Anon

"At different states in our lives,the signs of love may vary: dependence, attraction, contentment, worry, loyalty, grief, but at the heart, the source is always the same. Human beings have the rare capacity to connect with each other, against all odds." ~HoneyBee Oraiz Nario

3/7/15

"The truth is that there is only one terminal dignity - love. And the story of a love is not important - what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity." ~Helen Hayes

AUTHOR

❤Heavenly Father, no matter what comes my way, please help me give this day completely over to You!❤

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, as I thank You this morning for the gift of life, I also thank you for the gift of wonderful people I have met along this journey. Some of them inspire me, some stretch me, challenge me, love me and encourage me. All of them help me to realize how beautiful and meaningful my life is. Bless every person here with good health, security, wealth, peace, joy and success. Grant their prayers too please. Amen.

Sydney Opera House 40th Anniversary

"Today should always be our most wonderful day!" ~Thomas Dreier

Live Life to the Full

"One of the most important elements of living life fully is awareness-- awareness of our surroundings, of other people and their motives and fears and desires, of the things that affect us most in our lives, both positively and negatively." ~Living Life Fully

My Most Memorable Journey

"With the new day, comes new strength and new thoughts." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

International Fleet Review

"I still laugh at life no matter how tough it can get." ~Leah C. Dancel,( 3-11 October 2013

Bible Master

A Tribute to Cancer Survivors

In Support to Marvin Lane of The Rhyming Place

All photographs, unless noted, are my copyrights.

"To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place." ~Elliott Erwitt

Quotes are sourced from the Inspiration Line founded by Chelle Thompson, The Friendship Book of Francis Gay, The Happy Guy by David Leonhardt, Quotes by People on Stamps, Inspirational Quotations by Barbara J Olson and from other various sources that trickle my quotable interest.

"A fine quotation is a diamond on the finger of a man of wit, and a pebble in the hand of a fool." ~Joseph Roux

"While I gather storm of quotations, nothing inspires me most than those contained in The Bible ... Timeless!" ~Leah C. Dancel

༺♥༻༺♥༻༺♥

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving " ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“What is it in the melody of sound...which calls such visionary beauty forth from every tone?” ~R.E. Salaman

"The thoughts of the day become the dreams of the night." ~Anon

"Try to make at least one person happy every day. If you cannot do a kind deed, speak a kind word. If you cannot speak a kind word, think a kind thought. Count up, if you can, the treasure of happiness that you would dispense in a week, in a year, in a lifetime!" ~Lawrence G. Lovasik

༺♥༻༺♥༻༺♥BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTS

Inspiring and uplifting thoughtsBring beauty to the mind,By dwelling on the positive,What's joyful, happy, kind.Courage and enthusiasm,Cheerfulness and grace,Radiating from withinAll show upon the face.

Reflecting on the beautiful,What's pure and good and true,Embracing all the world of wonderThat's surrounding you.Hope, contentment, peace and love,Your thoughts can soar on wings So let the life within your mindBe filled with lovely things.

~Kathleen Gillum ~༺♥༻༺♥༻༺♥

~ Max Ehrmann ~

A Prayer

Let me do my work each day;and if the darkened hoursof despair overcome me, may Inot forget the strengththat comforted me in thedesolation of other times.

May I still remember the brighthours that found me walkingover the silent hills of mychildhood, or dreaming on themargin of a quiet river,when a light glowed within me,and I promised my early Godto have courage amid thetempests of the changing years.

Spare me from bitternessand from the sharp passions ofunguarded moments. MayI not forget that poverty andriches are of the spirit.Though the world knows me not,may my thoughts and actionsbe such as shall keep me friendlywith myself.

Lift up my eyesfrom the earth, and let me notforget the uses of the stars.Forbid that I should judge otherslest I condemn myself.Let me not follow the clamor ofthe world, but walk calmlyin my path.

And though age and infirmityovertake me, and I come not withinsight of the castle of my dreams,teach me still to be thankfulfor life, and for time's oldenmemories that are good andsweet; and may the evening'stwilight find me gentle still.

(The Desiderata of Happiness)

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrender be on good termswith all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant;they too have their story.Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickery.But let not this blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.Take kindly the council of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be.And whatever your labours and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.Be cheerful, strive to be happy.

Prayer

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” ~Reinhold Niebuhr

"Prayer is an essential tool for us to talk with God and to build a closer relationship with Him, so we can become more like our Father. " ~Douglas S Winnail

"Prayer is our pathway not only to divine protection, but also to a personal, intimate relationship with God." ~ Shirley Dobson

"Prayer is the wing wherewith the soul flies to heaven and meditation the eye wherewith we see God." ~ Ambrose of Milan

"Having a life time of prayer, talking to God become natural as breathing...it's the presence of God ... moment by moment reality" ~ Anon

"Prayer is and remains always a native and deepest impulse of the soul of man." ~ Thomas Carlyle

"In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart." ~John Bunyan*****"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." ~ Charles M. Schulz

"When you find time on your hands, put them together in prayer." ~Our Daily Bread

"Remember the day's blessings; forget the day's troubles"~Anon

Content and Honour

"O God, help us to perform our duties with laughter and kind faces; and let cheerfulness abound with industry. Give us to go blithely on our business all this day, and bring us to our resting beds weary and content and undishonoured; for Jesus Christ's sake." ~Robert Louis Stevenson

From My Desk

I feel so honoured to find that there are websites who sourced some of their materials from my blog as I have sourced mine from others. It is great to be able to channel some wonderful thoughts of my great friends to be shared to many others, hoping it will give them some uplifting words to live by.

Learning words of wisdom from people helps me to be philosophical and practical in my approach to life. Of course, I follow my own conviction trying not to compromise any conventions. I certainly do not lean on my own understanding either. We all need divine inspired guidance. My parents were my first teachers who taught me some "nuggets of wisdom". To them, I am indebted my knowledge of life to which they molded my intellectual and spiritual well-being.

About Me

"To thine own self be true, , Thou canst not then be false to any man."~ William Shakespeare

A Hebrew origin, means 'the joyous one'

Leah is magnetic and seductiveShe carries a sense of her own powerShe has a great skill for teaching othersShe sees the ironies of life all too clearlyHer capacity for sympathy is celebratedShe is a mistress of persuasionHer strong powers of endurance set her aloftHer home is haven of securityShe may be prone to exhibitionismNothing is free from her scrutiny.

Leah ~ also means "weary" relinquishing her heart to love, for she is a hopeless romantic, putting others before herself, for she knows no other way but to give a helping hand, her reassuring smile is there for all to see, no cause is too great, for giving up is unknown to her, she loves a challenge to do her best.

You are calm and rational.You are also GIVING and KIND - a Great FRIEND.You are EASY GOING and TRUSTING.However, you are too SENSIBLE to fall for MIND GAMES.

,Lily

You are artsy and elegant. Your imagination allows you to place yourself in other people’s shoes, which allows you to easily understand and sympathize with those around you.

❤❤❤

"What is a friend? I will tell you, it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself." ~Frank Crane

"The essence of a perfect friendship is that each friend reveals himself utterly to the other, flings aside his reserves, and shows himself for what he truly is." ~Robert Benson

Naturally Homegrown

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." - Confucius

"Beauty is power; a smile is its sword." - John Ray

"A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears."~Anne Roiphe

"Basic beauty lies in the way a woman walks; it is health and an attitude to life." ~Nancy Astor "Goodness is beauty in the best estate." ~Christopher Marlowe

"Integrity reveals beauty." ~Thomas Leonard

"Of life's two chief prizes, beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a laborer's hand." ~Khalil Gibran

“Real beauty is about looking life right in the face and seeing all its magnificence reflected in your own.” ~Valerie Monroe"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside."~Denis Waitley

It's not wise to count your friendson a bright sunny day,when the sky is blueand smiles come so easily.

Instead wait for a storm,when the clouds are dark andthe day grows cold,and laughter is not heardin your heavy heart.

Then when a friend comesand stands beside youand lifts your spirits to the skyand laughter is in your heart,he or she deserves the name ...

FRIEND.

Thank you, my Friend,for braving the storms with meand for making the sunny days so much brighter.

You are You

You are strong when you take your grief and teach it to smile.

You are brave when you overcome your fear and help others to do the same.

You are happy when you see a flower and are thankful for the blessing.

You are loving when your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others.

You are wise when you know the limits of your wisdom.

You are true when you admit there are times you fool yourself.

You are alive when tomorrow's hope means more to you than yesterday's mistake.

You are growing when you know what you are but not what you will become.

You are free when you are in control of yourself and do not wish to control others.

You are honorable when you find your honor is to honor others.

You are generous when you can take as sweetly as you can give.

You are humble when you do not know how humble you are.

You are thoughtful when you see me just as I am and treat me just as you are.

You are merciful when you forgive in others the faults you condemn in yourself.

You are beautiful when you don't need a mirror to tell you.

You are rich when you never need more than what you have.

You are you when you are at peace with who you are not.

~Anon~

*****

Stand Up in For Yourself;Stand Up and be Yourself

Stop hiding!Stop holding yourself back and playing yourself down!Stop worrying about how you look and what people are saying.Stop listening to what people are saying and trying to find out if they are whispering about you.Stop waiting for someone to tell you that you are okay or to make you feel special.Life is special!It is a special gift.This is your life!Now take your gift and live it out in the open!Decide today that you are going to live out loud!

Living out loud means having the courage to be exactly who you are without apology.It means admitting your mistakes without beating yourself up.It means not taking who you are and what you have for granted.Release all shame!Release all guilt!You cannot live out loud if you are hiding behind what was.Living out loud means focusing on what is, right now, and that is you!

To live out loud means showing up as your authentic self, without your makeup or your toupee.It means acknowledging your shortcomings and celebrating your strengths.Living out loud means broadcasting your needs, your likes and your dislikes as they relate to your fears and frustrations.It means that you let people know exactly who you are and expect them to be as thrilled as you are about who you are.

In order to live out loud you must have faith in yourself and in the process of life.You must have principles you live by and standards by which you can govern and gauge yourself.Most important, in order to live out loud you must love yourself enough to tell yourself and everyone else the absolute truth about you.When you can do that, you can live out loud and be very proud about what the world will hear about you.

Until today, you may have been living your life in a whisper.Just for today, take one step toward pumping up your volume.Stand up in yourself! Stand up and be yourself!

~Iyanla Vanzant~

TO WONDER

To wonder, to know,

To explore, always asking:

What am I?

Who am I?

What will become of me?

Of my knowledge?

Am I squandered on the world?

Cheapening existence through vanity?

How long before I am fit to say, I know this!

Rather than, I think this.

That in itself questions self,

Whether our thought and mind is

Our own knowledge and assurance.

At what point in time do we stop marching?

Pencil upon paper, sight upon colour and light.

A fixation upon what we comprehend

And that, which is incomprehensible.

Are we gambling with the gifts we are given?

Are they gifts?

The ability to question choice, life, the air we breathe;

The sun, the moon, clouds, stars, the earth, wind, rain, height.

Re-reading leads.

Random, our teachers abandon us,

Fending for all you are on your own

'Tis a lonely path all humans follow, trying to fill the void

With relationships, contact with others, family, friends.

I advanced myself only through victory.

Victory against what?

If there’s nothing to fight against,

How do we advance at all?

Do we fight against self-doubt?

From the Original Manuscript Written by Lily

Poetic Concept:

Copyright@2008, LD, All rights reserved.

Remember today all the blessings you have

Remember today that you are alive.Sometimes we tend to forget.You have a purpose that is all your own.No one else is you.You have dreams and hopes and desires.Listen to your heart for a while.

Remember today all the blessings you have.There's beauty in every direction you look.Enjoy the abundance that is already yours.The world is a wonderful place and you're here.

Remember today that you get what you give.Your world is a mirror of your inner self.Love will be yours when you give it away.

Remember today that life is creation.As long as you live you can always contributeyour own special voice.Remember today is a special time.Make the best of it while you can.

A VANISHED FRIEND

Around the corner I have a friend,In this great city that has no end,Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friend's face,For life is a swift and terrible race,He knows I like him just as well,As in the days when I rang his bell.

And he rang mine but we were younger then,And now we are busy, tired men.Tired of playing a foolish game,Tired of trying to make a name.

'Tomorrow' I say! 'I will call on JimJust to show that I'm thinking of him.'But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,And distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner, yet miles away,'Here's a telegram sir,' Jim died today.'And that's what we get and deserve in the end.Around the corner, a vanished friend.

~Anon~

Remember to always say what you mean. If you love someone, tell them. Because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late.

Seize the dayNever have regrets.And most importantly,stay close to your friendsand family, for they have helpedmake you the person that you are today.

SMILE, even through your tears! ~JBY

The day is DONE

The day is done,

it cannot be changed.

My actions and my thoughts

reflected my own spirit

on this day of some,

I am proud,

of some I am not.

When I wake,

there will be new chances...

To think and act

with wisdom and compassion.

There will be new temptations

to be petty,

small or selfish...

May I choose wisely and well

from waking to day's end...

And be a blessing to all I meet.

~Anon~

"A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty." ~Anon

"The voice of the Lord is the voice of common sense, which is shared by all that is ~Samuel Butler (1835 - 1902)

May the sun bring you new energy by day.May the moon softly restore you by night.May the rain wash away your worries.May the breeze blow new strength into your being.May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.